Electric typewriter with input-output arrangement

ABSTRACT

An electric typewriter is adapted to input-output functions without increasing the height thereof by arranging, at the rear and within the bottom of the typewriter, a supplemental structure including solenoids to operate the typeweriter keys and function mechanisms, and switches to generate signals to be fed to an electronic data unit. The solenoids and switches are coupled to the various typewriter mechanisms by rods having a lost motion connection with the solenoids so that the switches can be operated without effecting the solenoids. A special strobe arrangement is provided in which reed switches are juxtaposed to spaced parallel magnets which are cyclically bridged by a rotating butterfly.

[ l-Sept. 11, 1973 United States Patent 11 1 Wolf et a1.

[ 1 ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER WITH [75] Inventors: Edgar Wolf,

Att0rneyAlan K. Roberts et a1.

[73] Assignee: Redactron Corporation, l-lauppauge,

[57] ABSTRACT An electric typewriter isadapted to input-output functions without increasing the height thereof by arranging, at the rear and within the bottom of the typewriter,

221 Filed: Dec.'l7, 1971 Appl. No.: 209,325

a supplemental structure including solenoids to operate the typeweriter keys and function mechanisms, and

1. 5/30 switches to generate signals to be fed to an electronic [58] Field of Search J [19 data unit. The solenoids and switches are coupled to the various typewriter mechanisms by rods having a m U 0 I n I 1 1 5 fl.

lost motion connection with the solenoids so that the switches can be operated without effecting the solenoids. A special strobe arrangement is provided in which reed switches are juxtaposed to spaced parallel magnets which are cyclically bridged by a rotating butterfly. v i I 3,386,650 Hildebrandt et a1....... 3,391,774

197/107 X 197/19 197/16 X 197/19 X 197/19 15 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures Mason Patented Sept. 11, 1973 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 I I I I I I 1 I I I! k" v H n u hr I. H H H H H H W nlll.

O km? @SQQ wwl Pafented Sept. 11, 1973 e Shets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept. 11,1973

6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. 11, 1973 6 Sheets-Sheet L 'Pa tehted Sept. 11, 1973 3,757,920

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG/2 Patented Sept; 11, 1973 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 14

5 I 6 I F ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER WITII INPUT-OUTPUT ARRANGEMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to electric typewriters and more particularly to electric typewriters adapted for input-output functions in association with data processing equipment.

BACKGROUND Techniques are known by which commercially available electric typewriters can be converted for use with data processing or handling equipment. Some of these techniques are shown in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,452,851 and 3,233,715.

Generally, these known techniques involve the use of banks of solenoids which respond to signals from a computer or data terminal or the like to control the operation of mechanisms for the printing of characters or for the controlling of various functions (e.g., back spacing, etc.). The known techniques also may involve'the use of banks of switches which generate signals responsive to the actuation'of various typewriter mechanisms (e.g., character or function keys on a keyboard), these signals being fed to, for example, the memory of a data system for subsequent reuse, while at the same time hard copy is produced.

It can be readily understood that the abovementioned solenoids and switches as well as the links by which they are coupled to the typewriter proper and the supporting structure therefor contribute substantially to the bulk of the composite product. It is, as a matter of fact, well known that special accommodations must be provided for typewriters to which the above-indicated equipment has been added.

For example, in one known type of apparatus, the additional components are added at the bottom of the associated typewriter thereby materially adding to its height, while in another modification a girdle of supplemental components is interposed' between the main typewriter body and its bottom which also increases the typewriter height.

This increase in typewriter height would not in and of itself be important were it not for the fact that it is essential to maintain a rather standard physical relationship between a typewriter keyboard and the typewriter operator. However, this relationship is so important that where modifications of the above type have been made, it has been found necessary to make suitable adjustments in the supporting furniture. This makes it impossible to employ commercially available desks or other conventional supporting furniture and thus the typewriter supplier is faced with a choice of having to order special and therefore relatively expensive furniture or of going into the furniture manufacturing business. Neither of these alternativesnor other currently available solutions has been found to be satisfactory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved electric typewriter adapted for cooperation with an associated data handling apparatus.

It is a further object of the invention to adapt a commercially available typewriter for use with data processing equipment by the addition of such mechanisms as can be added relatively superficially.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide for the aforesaid adaptation by adding little or no height to the typewriter assembly in order to maintain the customary relationship with an associated operator without the requirement of special office furniture.

It is furthermore an object of the invention to provide for the adaptation of an electric typewriter in accordance with the above such that no holes or wells need be provided in a desk top nor need desk tops be lowered in order to maintain the customary height relationship between a typist and the typewriter which the typist is to operate.

The above and other objects of the invention are achieved as follows:

In an electric typewriter adapted for producing hard copy andfor being coupled with an electronic data unit and exchanging information therewith and including a keyboard for the manual selection of character and function mechanisms, a strobe for generating timing signals and a cycle clutch mechanism to enable the typewriter to go through a printing cycle and a main body of determinable height and depth supporting said keyboard and'mechanisms, there is provided an improvement in accordance with the invention comprising a supplemental structure including a base plate with means for mounting saidstructure and base plate on said main body without increasing the height thereof. This structure and base plate extend rearwardly of the main body with first means being provided on the base plate responsive to signals from said data unit and second means being provided on said supplemental structure to generate signals for transmittal to said data unit, and links coupling said first and second means to said mechanisms for the control of the latter or for the generation of signals in response to the same. Said first and second means are located rearwardly of the main body of the typewriter.

In further accordance with the invention, the typewriter may further comprise such devices as a tab set and clear mechanism, an interlock mechanism, a tab operate mechanism, and a case shift mechanism or the like. For use with these mechanisms, means can be located on the aforesaid base plate and rearwardly of the main body of the typewriter for generating signals in response to the latter said mechanisms for transmittal to said data unit and for responding to signals from said data unit to control the latter said mechanisms.

The first means noted hereinabove may include solenoids and the second means may include switches. In this event,said links will include rods coupled between said solenoids and mechanisms and displaceable by said solenoids to operate said mechanisms, there being means provided on said rods to operate said switches in response to movementof said rods by said mechamsms.

ln accordance with a feature of the invention, a lost motion connection'will, be provided between the solenoids and rods to enable operation of the aforesaid switches without affecting said solenoids. In accordance with still another feature of the invention, the same rods will be employed to couple the solenoids to the typewriter mechanisms as are employed to couple said typewriter mechanisms to said switches.

In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, a special strobe arrangement is provided on or in association with the supplemental structure of the invention. This strobe is located at least in part on said base plate and includes parallel magnetically operated switches with permanent magnets being juxtaposed adjacent said switches and being magnetically coupled to the same. The strobe further includes a rotatable butterfly adjacent the magnets and adapted for cyclically providing a magnetic shorting path between the same.

The aforesaid magnets can be in the form of parallel rods, in which event said butterfly preferably includes a central cylindrical part and flat iron plates diametrally disposed in parallel on opposite ends of said cylindrical part and adapted for magnetically bridging opposite ends of the aforesaid rods.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, at least one of the aforesaid solenoids, and the corresponding rod are arranged along spaced parallel axes, there being pivotal bridges connecting such solenoid and rod.

The typewriter may comprise an interlock bail, in which event there will be provided a forked lever coupling the associated rod with the bail, said lever being pivotally coupled to the rod and straddling said bail.

In accordance with still another feature of the invention, there may be an arrangement whereby a clevis is pivoted to one of the aforesaid rods, there being a tab interposer pivotally engaged bysaid clevis.

According to another feature of the invention, there may be involved a shift release arm comprised by the typewriter there being a displaceable member to move this arm and a clevis coupling said memberto said rod.

The above objects and features of the invention as well as advantages thereof will be more readily understood from a following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated and exemplified in the accompanying drawing, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGQl is a diagrammatic illustration of a modified typewriter provided in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of another modified typewriter provided in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a side view partially broken away and partially in hidden view illustrating a modified typewriter provided in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is an inverted exploded view showing a major portion of the supplemental components which are to be added to an electric typewriter to provide a modified electric typewrite in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is aninverted side view of a solenoid employed in accordance with the invention illustrating by way of example the lost motion connection thereof, which is provided in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is an inverted side view of a rod and an associalcd switch illustrating the cooperation between these parts;

FIG. 7 is an inverted view of a base plate included in the supplemental structure of the invention diagrammatically illustrating certain functional supplements associated therewith;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the special strobe mechanism employed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical side view illustrating a solenoid and switch arrangement in association with the operation of a data bail in the typewriter being modified;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatical side view showing the operation of a function interposer by a solenoid in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatical perspective view of a component in the linkage of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatical side view illustrating the operation of a shift release arm by a solenoid in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatical side view showing the operation of an interlock bail by a solenoid in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatical illustration of the operation of a cycle clutch bail in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a carriage return and back space mechanism employed with the supplemental apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a space interlock mechanism in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 17 shows further apparatus employed with the interlock function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As noted hereinabove, it is an object of the invention to adapt an electric office typewriter for use as an electric input-output typewriter for cooperation with data processing equipment.

More particularly, in the embodiment of the invention described herein, an I.B.M. Selectric typewriter Model 745 is shown as'being adapted for use as an input-output typewriter.

As has also been mentioned hereinabove, it is an object of the invention to effect the adaptation with the addition of only such mechanisms as can be added on a relatively superficial basis such as, for example, by the external mounting of several mechanisms in the form of plate attachments.

As has also been noted hereinabove, it is desired in accordance with the invention to add little or no height to the original typewriter assembly in order to maintain the operator interactive portions (e.g., keyboard, typing area at the platen, etc.) at the customary height without special office furniture being required.

The embodiment described herein makes use of the depth dimension (i.e., the dimension away from the operator or typist) to accommodate the bulk of the necessary mechanisms, which as will be shown hereinafter, include solenoids, sensing elements and electric circuitry associated with the input-ouptut typewriter.

As referred to herein, the term input" is the input provided by the typist to the typewriter which by pickoff means is supplied to associated electronic data processing equipment. The term output refers to the supply of information by the data processing unit via power amplifiers and solenoids to control the mechanical behavior of the typewriter.

The I.B.M. Selectric typewriter, as referred to herein, is a well known device which is quite fully described in I.B.M. Manual No. 24l-5l82 of July 1966. Therein is described Model 735 of which Model 745 is the stripped down version.

With respect to the I.B.M. Selectric typewriter, input data may be sensed from the same by sensing the positions of six coded bails during certain portions of the turning of a main cycle shaft, the constructionand the use of which arrangement is well known. Data output may be caused by actuating said bails while causing the aforesaid shaft to cycle. In an input mode, data sensing is performed by observing six switches at an appropriate time sensed in the strobe assembly which generates timing signals for sampling the six switches. In the output mode, energizing the appropriate combination of six solenoids and causing the cycle parts to be actuated by an additional solenoid, causes data printing. Timing for the logical control of the solenoids is derived from the same strobe assembly as has been mentioned above.

As will be shown, a feature of the invention is to avoid the unnecessary solenoid motion during input by the use of a lost motion connection between .certain connecting rods and associated splen id plungers involving the use of certain clevises as to be described hereinunder.

In addition to the handling of data, certain functions need be sensed for purposes of input into the'associated data processing unit or these functions have to be supplied in the form of output signals for driving the modified typewriter. These functions include, amongst others, case shift, back space, carriage return, tabulation, setting of tab stops, clearing of tab stops, and the locking of the keyboard to prevent operator entryduring busy conditions. These and other operations of the modified typewriter provided in accordance with the invention will be described hereinafter.

Before proceeding to a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, attention is initially invited to FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein are shown, in general form, modified typewriters provided in accordance with the prior art.

In FIG. I is illustrated a typewriter having a keyboard 12 and a main body 14. In connection therewith and in accordance with the prior art, the input-output supplemental modifications are added by relating the same to the typewriter in depending relationship thereby requiring an additional volume indicated at 16. As has been noted, the relationship of the main body 14 to a desk top 18 has to be maintained to keep the standard relationship between the typist and the typewriter. For this purpose, there has to be provided a well 20 to accommodate the depending portion 16. It is this well which requires that special furniture be designed to accommodate the modified typewriter illustrated in FIG. 1, it being a specific object of the invention to avoid thisparticular requirement.

In FIG. 2 is illustrated a second typewriter 22 provided in accordance with the prior art. According to this known technique, the typewriter body is divided into an upper part 24 and a lower part 26, there being a girdle 28 of input-output equipment interposed between the parts 24 and 26 and contributing materially to the overall height of the typewriter.

In order to accommodate this second modified typewriter of the prior art, it is essential to lower the entire desk top to maintain the customary relationship between the typist and the typewriter. Accordingly, to employ such typewriter requires modified furniture which necessitates additional labor and cost which are avoided. by the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally an embodiment of the invention in the form ofa modified I.B.M. Selectric typewriter such as indicated generally at 30. This typewriter includes a keyboard 32, a roller 34 and various other components embodied in a main body 36 wich is'conventionally housed in a casing, the rear portion of which would normally be positioned as indicated at 38. It is to be noted that the provisions of the invention, while adding to the depth of the typewriter (i.e., the dimension rear and aft with respect to the operator), do not add in any sense whatsoever to the height of the typewriter as a result of which the modified typewriter provided in accordance with the invention is of the same height as the original design.

To achieve the above generalized objective, there is incorporated into the typewriter to be modified, a supplemental structure including a base plate 40, a portion 42 of which is elevated from the major portion 44 of the same. The supplemental structure moreover includes side members 46 supporting a supplemental plate 48 which is superposed with respect to portion 44 and is parallel and spaced with respect to the same.

Shown by way of Example in FIG. 3 is a solenoid 50 which is representative of a bank of solenoids, the location and function of which will be indicated with greater particularity hereinafter. The solenoid is mounted on and dependent from the portion 42 of base plate 40. It is connected by means of a clevis 52 to a rod 54 which is connected to operating elements present in the original typewriter by means to be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Mounted on the rod 54 is a collar 56 intended to make engagement with a controlling member of a switch 58. By means of the switch 58, movement of rod 54 in response to actuation of elements within the'typewriter 30 can be sensed and converted into electrical signals which will be fed to the associated data handling unit (not shown) which also provides the output signals necessary for operating the solenoids exemplified by the solenoid 50.

It is to be noted that a printed circuit board arrangement or the like may be readily attached to the plate 48 referred to hereinabove for purposes of providing interface electronics between the data handling unit and the switches employed in the supplemental apparatus of the invention. The details of such interface circuitry are however not essential to an understanding of the invention and consequently the details thereof have been omitted from the drawing and description of the invention.

The base plate of the invention and associated elements are shown in exploded view and in inverted attitude in FIG. 4. Therein are seen a bank of solenoids and switches which enable the control of the typewriter and the sensing of input signals in the manner which has been indicated generally hereinabove.

First of all, attention is directed to the solenoids 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 which form part of a bank of solenoids. These are the data solenoids which control the six data bails which are present in the conventional typewriter. These solenoids operate through rods 72, 74, 76, 78, and 82, which in turn operate through clevises such as, for example, indicated at 84 which are connected to pivot members to be indicated hereinafter to effect the desired selection of characters and/or functions.

The aforesaid rods are provided with collars 86 which act to operate associated switches, these being shown mounted on the plate 48 as indicated at 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, and 102. The operation of the switches will be referred to in greater detail hereinafter.

as case shift, the case shift function being assigned to solenoid 1 10. These solenoids are connected by respective clevises 112, 114, 116 and 118 to rods 120, 122-, 124 and 126 in turn provided with clevises connected by pivoting members or the like to functional mechanisms available in the typewriter which is to be modified.

Solenoid 126 is the cycle clutch solenoid whereas solenoid 128 is the interlock solenoid. These are respectively coupled to rods 128 and 130. Solenoids 132 and 134 are cooperatively tab set and tab clear solenoids. These are respectively coupled to rods 136 and 138 bearing switch operating collars 140 and 142. Rods .136 and 138 are pivotally connected to a lever 144 in turn pivotally connected to an operating member 146 having a perpendicular tab 148 provided with a slot in which is accommodated the tab set link 150 which is present in the commercially available model of the typewriter being modified.

The part 42 of the base plate 40 is provided with eight rectangular openings 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174. These rectangular openings accommodate the aforesaid switches 88-102 such that theoperating elements 176 thereof may be engaged and operated by the collars provided on the various rods.

As opening 178 accommodates the offset bridge 180 which is employed in connection with solenoids 104, 106 and 108. More specifically, it will be noted that the longitudinal axes of the latter said solenoids and solenoid 1 are offset from the longitudinal axes of the associated rods 120, 122, 124 and 126. The offset bridge provides for connecting the solenoids 104, 106 and 108 to the corresponding rods, thereby permitting the rods to be effectively positioned in offset relation to cooperate with existing mechanisms in the typewriter to be modified.

-The bridge 180 includes mounting brackets 182 and 184 holding a support 186 on which U-shaped levers 188, 190 and 192 are located for pivotal movement. The operation of these U-shaped levers will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

The clevis 84 referred to hereinabove and additional clevises 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 and 212 are connected to respective of the rods. Similarly clevises 214, 216, 218 and 220 are connected to the function rods described hereinabove. The latter clevis, i.e., clevis 220, is connected to a shift release arm 222 to be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. A connecting member 224 is connected to the interlock mechanism also to be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The clevis 200 is connected with the pivot 240 which includes a mounting bracket 242 and a forked lever 244. Another pivot is generally indicated at 246. It includes a mounting bracket 248. Its operation and function will be indicated with greater particularity hereinafter and it is sufficient to note at this point that it is connected to the cycle clutch present in the typewriter to be modified.

Other pivots mounted on the base plate are generally indicated at 250, 252, 254, 256, 258 and 260. These pivots include forked levers, the general function of which is to engage, for example, data bails in the typewriter to be modified, these bails being elongated rods arranged perpendicular to the rods connected to the aforesaid solenoids.

The aforesaid solenoids operate and are constructed in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein is shown an example solenoid mounted on base plate part 42 by means of bracket 270 with the use of screws 272 and 274. Bracket 270 is shaped to accommodate winding 276 which is effective to operate solenoid plunger 278 which is spring loaded by a helical spring 280 to fully extended position.

At the end of plunger 278 is a member 282 provided with an elongated slot 284 accommodating a pin 286 by means of which clevis 288 is connected to the solenoid. Said clevis is connected with operating rod 290 corresponding to the aforesaid rods.

The purpose of the pin and slot connection mentioned hereinabove is to provide a lost motion connection as between rod 290 and the solenoid. The reason for this lost motion connection is to enable the operation of the rod to be effective to operate a switch without requiring undue motion with respect to the solenoid.

Thus, for example, retraction of the plunger 288 will cause a direct and equal retraction of the rod 290 thereby making the rod 290 immediately and directly responsive to operation of the solenoid. However, when the rod 290 is displaced in the direction of arrow 292 to operate the switch in response to operation of a typewiter mechanism, the pin 280 will move idly in the slot 284 without generating any movement of the plunger 278. This permits a collar on the rod 290 to operate a sensing switch which accordingly is operated without having any effect whatsoever on the associated solenoid.

The operation of the switch is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6 wherein is illustrated a rod 300 which is the functional equivalent of rod 290 mentioned hereinabove and of the various rods illustrated and discussed with respect to FIG. 4. I

In FIG. 6 is illustrated a reed switch 302. This reed switch may be, for example, a reed switch such as described and illustrated in copending application Ser. No. 116,580 filed Feb. 19, 1971, US. Pat. No. 3,673,527 filed June 27, I972. The reed switch has an operating member 304 which is engaged by a collar 306 located on the rod 300. To enable an appropriate locating of the collar on the rod, the rod is provided with a thread 308 which is threadably engaged by collar 306, the collar being locked in position by a lock nut 310.

From the above, it will be seen that longitudinal displacement of the rod 300 in the direction indicated by arrow 312 will act to displace the operating member 304 of reed switch 302 to actuate the latter. The reed switch will accordingly generate an electrical signal which can be amplified and otherwise processed and transferred as an input into the associated data processing unit.

FIG. 7 illustrates diagrammatically the affixing of further supplemental components to the base plate 40 to achieve the various purposes of the invention. Thus, for example, it is seen that the interlock mechanism cooperating with the available apparatus of the typewriter is located at 400 whereas the tab, back space and carriage return actuating and responding mechanisms are located generally at 402. The shift case switch is located at 404 and the strobe assembly is located at 406. The space interlock is generally situated as indicated at 408. The details of those sub-assemblies which may be essential to an understanding of the invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter. One of the details, the understanding of which is believed pertinent to the invention and which assembly constitutes a feature of the invention, is illustrated in FIG. 8 wherein is seen the strobe assembly.

This strobe assembly includes a mounting bracket 410 having a plate 412 provided with parallel slots 414 and 416 into which penetrate reed switches 418 and 420 having leads such as indicated at 422 and 424 for connecting these switches into a strobe circuit (not shown) the details of which are not required for an understanding of the invention.

A plastic block 426 is provided in which are embedded two magnets 428 and 430, these magnets being spaced and parallel to each other and juxtaposed and parallel to the reed switches 418 and420. The magnets 428 and 430 operate to hold the reed switches in open condition. However, a magnetic bridge is provided across the magnets 428 and 430 which operates in cyclical fashion so that the magnets and their effect are shunted to enable the reed switches 418 and 420 to close cyclically in order to generate a timing strobe 'signal.

The device which operates to provide the aforesaid shunting effect is the butterfly 432, which includes a cylindrical central part 434 at the oppositeextremeties of which are two iron members 436 and 438 which are parallel to one another and which are arranged in diametrical attitude with respect to the cylindrical part The butterfly 432 is mounted on the cycle shaft of the.

above with respect of FIG. 4 and the relationship of the 7 same with respect to a data bail which constitutes a mechanism present in the commercially available'typewriter to be modified.

In FIG. 9 and by way of example, there is shown the solenoid 66 and the associated switch 98 as well as rod 78 mounted on base plate 40 by guides 450 and 452 which may be fabricated, for example, of nylon or the like.

The details of the solenoid 66 have been described hereinabove and consequently the connection of the clevis 454 to the solenoid will now be clear. The function of switch 98 has also been clarified above as well as its operation by means of collar 456. Clevis 208 has also been mentioned hereinabove with respect to FIG. 4 and it will now be seen that this is pivotally connected to a pivot such as the pivot 258 which also appears in FIG. 4.

It will now be seen that the pivot includes extremities 458 and 460 defining a slot 462 therebetween, the arms straddling the data bail 464 which is an existent part in the typewriter to be modified. The direction of motion of the data bail is shown by arrow 466, this being the conventional direction of motion and being a direction towards the typewriter operator as is well known.

From FIG. 9, it will be seen that operation of the solenoid 66 functions through rod 78 and clevis 208 to pivot the pivotal member 258 whereby displacement of data bail 464 results. Displacement of data bail 464 controls one of the degrees of movement of the golf ball type head which is employed in the typewriter being modified, control of the remaining degrees of movement operating to select a character.

Similarly, it will be understood that when a typewriter key is actuated by a typist, resulting movement of the bail 464 will operate to pivot member 258 about the fixed pivot indicated generally at 468 whereby there results through the intermediary of clevis 208, a longitudinal displacement of rod 78 as shown by arrow 470, this being effective through collar 456 to displace the operating member of the reed switch 98 thereby causing the latter to generate a signal which indicates the operation of bail 464. It is thus possible to generate a signal which can be supplied as an input to the associated data processing unit.

Operation of the function solenoids is shown generally in FIGS. 10 and 11 wherein appears, for example, the solenoid 106 connected to rod 122 connected in turn to clevis 218. The U-shaped bridge I connecting the plunger 480 of the solenoid is generally indicatd in FIG. 11 as well as in FIG. 10 by which movement of the plunger along its axis is transferred to movement of rod 122 along its axis.

Movement of the clevis is transformed into movement of the interposer 482 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 484. The interposers 482 is exemplary of the three interposes available for tab set and clear, carriage return and back space in the known typewriter which is to be modified.

FIG. 12 diagrammaticaly illustrates the operation of the solenoid relative to the case shift function. Herein it is seen that solenoid 110 is connected by clevis 118 to rod 120 in turn connected to clevis 220.

As has been indicated hereinabove, the clevis is pivotallyconnected to displaceable member 222 which operates to displace shift release arm 500 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 502, this arm being an available part of the known type-writer which is to be modified.

FIG. 13 diagrammatically indicates the use of the interlock solenoid 128, this solenoid being connected by a clevis 504 to rod in turn connected to clevis 204 and thence to pivot 506 whose fork extremities 508 and 510 operate to displace the interlock bail 512 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 514. The interlock bail is an available member which is present in the known typewriter which is to be modified. It is to be noted that the bail 512 is generally connected to a function interlock T" bar 516 which operate on key levers such as indicated indicated at 518 to prevent displacement of the same.

FIG. 14 illustrates in greater detail the pivot 246 generally referred to hereinabove with respect to FIG. 4. As has been noted, the pivot 246 is mounted on the base plate by means of a bracket 248 (FIG. 4) The pivot 246 consists of a right angle lever 520 mounted on a fixed, pivot 522,and having connection with clevis 202 by means of a pivot pin 524. At the extremity of lever 520 is provided a further pivot pin 526 by means of which pivotal connection is made with a second lever 528. A relative attitude between the levers is established a spring 530 by means of which the C-shaped extremity 532 of lever 528 is brought into engagement with the cycle clutch bail 534. The direction of movement of the cycle clutch bail is indicated by arrow 536. The cycle clutch bail 534 is an element which is present in the known typewriter which is to be modified and both the construction and function of the cycle clutch bail are well known.

The function supplemental structure indicated at 402 in FIG. 7 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 16. Herein it can be seen that this supplement consist of switches 540, 542 and 544 capable of generating signals to be supplied as input to the associated data processing unit. These switches are mounted on a mounted operating member 548.

The details of space interlock supplement 408 -referred to above with reference to FIG. 7 are shown in greater detail with respect to FIG. 16 wherein is seen switch 550, operating member 552 and spring 554 spring loading the operating member 552. These elements are all mounted on a mounting bracket 556.

The interlock supplement 400 referred to above with respect to FIG. 7 is illustrated in greater detail with respect to FIG. 17 wherein appears the interlock bail 580 connected to the relay by means of the clevis rod assembly 582 the details of which have been referred to hereinabove. Arm 584 operates in a manner generally referred to hereinabove to prevent the keyboard from operating.

From the above, it will be seen that the invention is concerned with an improvement in an electric type writer which is adapted for producing hard copy and for being coupled with an electronic data unit and exchanging information therewith, the typewriter including a keyboard for the manual selection of character and function mechanisms as well as a strobe for generating timing signals and a cycle clutch mechanism to enable the typewriter to go through a printingcycle, the typewriter having a main body of determinable height and depth supporting the aforesaid keyboard and mechanism.

More particularly, the improvement of the invention comprises the provision of a supplemental structure including a base plate with means mounting this structure and base plate on the main body of the typewriter without inc'reasing the height thereof.

Inspecific accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure and base plate extend rearwardly of the main body, there being first means on the base plate response to signals from the aforementioned data unit and second means on .the supplemental structure to generate signals for transmittal to said data unit and links coupling the first and second means to the aforesaid mechanisms for the control 'of the latter or for the generation of signals in response to the same. Thefirst and second indicated means are located'rearwardly of the main body of the typewriter.

The typewriter which is to be modified may further comprise tab set and clear mechanisms as well as an interlock mechanism and may furthermore comprise, for example, a tab operate mechanism and a case shift mechanism. With these additional mechanisms there is provided the improvement whereby means located on the base plate are employed for generating signals in response to these additional mechanisms for transmittal to the aforesaid data unit or for responding to signals from the data unit to control these latter said mechanisms.

According to apreferred embodiment of the invention, the first means indicated above include solenoids with the second means including switches, there being links including rods coupled between the solenoids and the mechanisms and displaceable by the solenoids to operate the same. Means are provided on the rods to operate the aforesaid switches in response to move ment of the rods by the same.

According to a further feature of the invention, lost motion connections are provided between the sole noids and rods to enable operation of the switches without effecting the solenoids.

In the aforesaid disclosure of the objects and features of the invention, there has been disclosed a strobe arrangement which includes parallel magnetically operated reed switches with permanent magnets adjacent the same and magnetically coupled thereto, there being furthermore provided a rotatable butterfly adjacent the magnets and adapted for cyclically providing a magnetic shorting path between the same.

There will now be obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications and variations of the structures and features set forth hereinabove. These modifications and variations will not depart from the scope of the invention, if defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

I 1. In an electric typewriter adapted for producing hard copy and'for being coupled with an electronic data unit and exchanging information therewith and including a keyboard for the manual selection of character and function mechanisms, a strobe for generating timing signals to time the information exchanged between said typewriter and data unit, a cycle clutch mechanism to enable thetypewriter to go through a printing cycle, and a main body having first and second dimensions which constitute the height and depth thereof, said main body supporting-said keyboard and mechanisms; theimprovement comprising a supplemental structure including a base plate,'means mounting said structure and base plate on said main body without increasing the height of the main body, said structure and base plate extending rearwardly of said main body, first means on said base plate responsive to signals from said data unit, second means on said supplemental structure to generate signals for transmittal to said data unit in accordance with the timing signals of said strobe, and links coupling said first and second means to said mechanisms for the control of the latter or for the generation of signals in response to the same, said first and second means being located rearwardly of said main body, said first means including solenoids and said second means including switches, said links including rods coupled between said solenoids and mechanisms and displaceable by said solenoids to operate said mechanisms, and means onsaid rods to operate said switches in response to movement of said rods by said mechanisms.

2. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a tab set and clear actuating and r'esponding'mechanism, and means located on said base plate and rearwardly of said main body for generating signals in response to the latter said mechanism for transmittal to said data unit and for responding to signals from the data unit to control the latter said mechanism.

3. A typewriter as claimed in claim 2 wherein the latter said means includes a solenoid, a switch, a rod coupled between said solenoid and the latter said mechanism and displaceable by said solenoid to operate the latter said mechanism, and means on said rod to operate said switch in response to movement of said rod by the latter said mechanism.

4. A typewriter as claimed in claim 3 comprising a clevis pivoted to said rod and a tab interposer pivotally engaged by said clevis.

5. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an interlock actuating and responding mechanism, and means located on said base plate and rearwardly of said main body for generating signals in response to the latter said mechanism for transmittal to said data unit and for responding to signals from the data unit to control the latter said mechanism, said interlock mechanism locking the keyboard against operation by an operator.

6. A typewriter as claimed in claim 5 wherein the latter said means includes a solenoid, a switch, a rod coupled between said solenoid and the latter said mechanism and displaceable by said solenoid to operate the latter said mechanism, and means on said rod to operate said switch in response to movement of said rod by the latter said mechanism.

7. A typewriter as claimed in claim 6 comprising an interlock bail and a forked lever coupling said rod and bail, said lever being pivotally coupled to said rod and straddling said bail.

8. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a case shift actuating and responding mechanism and means located on said base plate and rearwardly of said main body for generating signals in response to the latter said mechanism for transmittal to said data unit and for responding to signals from the data unit to control the latter said mechanism.

9. A typewriter as claimed in claim 8 wherein the latter said means includes a solenoid, a switch, a rod coupled between said solenoid and the latter said mechanism and displaceable by said solenoid to operate the latter said mechanism, and means on said rod to operate said switch in response to movement of said rod by the latter said mechanism.

10. A typewriter as claimed in claim 9 comprising a shift release arm, a displaceable member to move said arm, and a clevis coupling said member to said rod.

11. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 comprising lost motion connections between said solenoids and rods to enable operation of said switches without effecting said solenoids.

12. A typewriter as claimed in claim 11 wherein the latter said means are collars on said rods.

13. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1, said strobe being located at least in part on said base plate and including parallel magnetically operated switches, permanent magnetics adjacent said switches and magnetically coupled to the same, and a rotatable butterfly adjacent the magnets and adapted for cyclically providing a magnetic shorting path between the same.

14. A typewriter as claimed in claim 13 wherein said magnets are in the form of parallel rods, said butterfly including a central cylindrical part and flat iron plates diametrally disposed in parallel on opposite ends of said cylindrical part and adapted for magnetically bridging opposite ends of said rods.

15. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said solenoids and the corresponding rod are arranged along spaced parallel axes, comprising pivotal bridges connecting said one solenoid and corresponding rod.

Patent No. 3,757 9 D d Sept. 11 1973 lnventofls) Edgar Wolf, Edward Lau, Joseph F. Polizzotto It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Inventors: change "Edgar Wolf, New Hope Park;" to

i --Edgar Wolf, New Hyde Park;

In the Abstract: Line 5: change "typeweriter" to --typewriter-- In the Specification: Column 5, line 67: change "wich" to --which-- v Colnmn 1 line 31: change "therefor" to --therefore-- Column 9, line 25: change "extremeties" to --extremities-- Column 10, line 23: change "indicatd" to --indicated--- line 41: change "type-writer" to t it I v I line 53: change "indicated indicated" to --indi cat ed In the Claims: Claim 13, line 4: change "magnetics" to -magnets--'- Signed and sealed this 11th day og June 19774;.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD MJLEMHER R. c. MARSHALL mum Attesting Officerv Commissioner of Patents 

1. In an electric typewriter adapted for producing hard copy and for being coupled with an electronic data unit and exchanging information therewith and including a keyboard for the manual selection of character and function mechanisms, a strobe for generating timing signals to time the information exchanged between said typewriter and data unit, a cycle clutch mechanism to enable the typewriter to go through a printing cycle, and a main body having first aNd second dimensions which constitute the height and depth thereof, said main body supporting said keyboard and mechanisms; the improvement comprising a supplemental structure including a base plate, means mounting said structure and base plate on said main body without increasing the height of the main body, said structure and base plate extending rearwardly of said main body, first means on said base plate responsive to signals from said data unit, second means on said supplemental structure to generate signals for transmittal to said data unit in accordance with the timing signals of said strobe, and links coupling said first and second means to said mechanisms for the control of the latter or for the generation of signals in response to the same, said first and second means being located rearwardly of said main body, said first means including solenoids and said second means including switches, said links including rods coupled between said solenoids and mechanisms and displaceable by said solenoids to operate said mechanisms, and means on said rods to operate said switches in response to movement of said rods by said mechanisms.
 2. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a tab set and clear actuating and responding mechanism, and means located on said base plate and rearwardly of said main body for generating signals in response to the latter said mechanism for transmittal to said data unit and for responding to signals from the data unit to control the latter said mechanism.
 3. A typewriter as claimed in claim 2 wherein the latter said means includes a solenoid, a switch, a rod coupled between said solenoid and the latter said mechanism and displaceable by said solenoid to operate the latter said mechanism, and means on said rod to operate said switch in response to movement of said rod by the latter said mechanism.
 4. A typewriter as claimed in claim 3 comprising a clevis pivoted to said rod and a tab interposer pivotally engaged by said clevis.
 5. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an interlock actuating and responding mechanism, and means located on said base plate and rearwardly of said main body for generating signals in response to the latter said mechanism for transmittal to said data unit and for responding to signals from the data unit to control the latter said mechanism, said interlock mechanism locking the keyboard against operation by an operator.
 6. A typewriter as claimed in claim 5 wherein the latter said means includes a solenoid, a switch, a rod coupled between said solenoid and the latter said mechanism and displaceable by said solenoid to operate the latter said mechanism, and means on said rod to operate said switch in response to movement of said rod by the latter said mechanism.
 7. A typewriter as claimed in claim 6 comprising an interlock bail and a forked lever coupling said rod and bail, said lever being pivotally coupled to said rod and straddling said bail.
 8. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a case shift actuating and responding mechanism and means located on said base plate and rearwardly of said main body for generating signals in response to the latter said mechanism for transmittal to said data unit and for responding to signals from the data unit to control the latter said mechanism.
 9. A typewriter as claimed in claim 8 wherein the latter said means includes a solenoid, a switch, a rod coupled between said solenoid and the latter said mechanism and displaceable by said solenoid to operate the latter said mechanism, and means on said rod to operate said switch in response to movement of said rod by the latter said mechanism.
 10. A typewriter as claimed in claim 9 comprising a shift release arm, a displaceable member to move said arm, and a clevis coupling said member to said rod.
 11. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1 comprising lost motion connections between said solenoids and rods to enable operation of said switches without effecting said solenoids.
 12. A typewriter as claimed in claim 11 wherein the latter said means are collars on said rods.
 13. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1, said strobe being located at least in part on said base plate and including parallel magnetically operated switches, permanent magnetics adjacent said switches and magnetically coupled to the same, and a rotatable butterfly adjacent the magnets and adapted for cyclically providing a magnetic shorting path between the same.
 14. A typewriter as claimed in claim 13 wherein said magnets are in the form of parallel rods, said butterfly including a central cylindrical part and flat iron plates diametrally disposed in parallel on opposite ends of said cylindrical part and adapted for magnetically bridging opposite ends of said rods.
 15. A typewriter as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said solenoids and the corresponding rod are arranged along spaced parallel axes, comprising pivotal bridges connecting said one solenoid and corresponding rod. 